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Podiatry

Overview

Podiatry is the study and treatment of conditions affecting the leg below the knee. The training given at podiatry schools is similar to the training given at allopathic and osteopathic medical schools. This means that the four years of podiatry school will be followed by a residency, typically three years in length. The best resources available to you in researching a career in podiatry and investigating podiatry schools are the website for the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine and the College Information Book they publish. Podiatry schools are also willing to answer any questions potential students may have.

The following two youtube videos give a great overview of a career in podiatry and of podiatric medical education:

Prerequisite Coursework

The prerequisite requirements for Podiatry schools are outlined more clearly than requirements for other schools and are available online. Podiatry schools do not take undergraduate major into consideration when deciding which students to accept, so you are free to choose a major of your liking.

Applying

The MCAT is the primary admissions test required for Podiatry schools. The AAMC website is a great resource for learning about the content of the MCAT and finding study resources. We also have an MCAT info page on our site.

All nine of the podiatry schools use an application service, the AACPMAS, to handle applications. With this service, applicants fill out one application and submit it to the schools they choose.

Letter of recommendation requirements vary from school to school. It is you responsibility to research the schools to which you will apply and make sure you meet their letter requirements. Some of the podiatry schools may request a letter from an evaluation committee at your undergraduate school. If that is the case, the USU Prehealth Evaluation Committee is glad to prepare a letter for anyone who requests one.

One of the most important parts of the application is the interview. Be sure to prepare thoroughly!

Extracurricular Activities

The extracurricular activities required by podiatry schools are similar to those required by all other health professions schools. It is important that you shadow a practicing podiatrist, as podiatry schools often require a letter of recommendation from a podiatrist.